Pupils from Robert Burns Academy Supported Learning Centre (SLC) in Cumnock put their walking boots on for an important cause last month – raising hundreds of pounds in the process.

On Friday, October 8, SLC students participated in a sponsored walk in aid of Mary’s Meal, a charity formerly known as Scottish International Relief, which sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Generous students decided to raise money by organising a sponsored walk to Dumfries House Estate, which consisted of five miles.

Unfortunately the weather put a bit of a dampener on proceedings but the children did not let it bring them down. Accompanied by staff, they soldiered on through the rain and enjoyed lunch sheltered under one of the giant Redwoods.

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Mark Kerr, SLC teacher, said: “As part of the school’s Rights Respecting School focus, pupils in the SLC decided to take the lead within the campus in starting up their sponsorship of Jebbeh Kiazolu school in Liberia again.

“This involves fundraising each year to support the charity Mary’s Meals to provide a daily meal for each child there, ensuring that they can access their rights to nutritious food as well as education.

“All contributions were very gratefully received. It costs just £15 to feed a child in Liberia for a year therefore even a donation of £1 could feed a child for several weeks.”

The event raised more than £600 which was an admirable sum.

Mr Kerr added: “Well done to all pupils for their hard work and effort with raising funds and awareness.

“The senior pupils also took part in the Outdoor Classroom Day recently. The activity focussed on group safety and team work. All the pupils planned and organised the activities and were all able to treat each other to a nice wee cup of hot chocolate and a toasted marshmallow.”

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